Write Club Podcast

Simon discusses his latest novel, The Room of Lost Steps - the sequel to The Palace at the End of the Sea - which follows Theodore Sterling’s extraordinary journey from 1930s New York to Civil War Spain.Together, they explore the immense research behind Simon’s sweeping historical duology, how he structures complex projects without losing confidence or momentum, and what it’s like growing up in the shadow (and inspiration) of a literary legend.Tune in for a fascinating conversation about history, storytelling, and the discipline of writing across worlds - both real and imagined. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this month’s Write Club Book Club episode, Beth and Mary discuss Buckeye by Patrick Ryan - a sweeping post-war novel set in small-town America that explores love, secrets, forgiveness, and the long shadows of the past.They unpack Ryan’s richly drawn characters, the powerful sense of place in Bonhomie, Ohio, and how war, disability, and spirituality shape the intertwined lives of two families across generations. Expect a lively discussion full of empathy, literary insight, and big questions about what it means to seek redemption - and home - in an imperfect world.Perfect for readers who love multi-generational stories, heartfelt drama, and the kind of writing that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.Featured book: Buckeye by Patrick Ryan This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Join Beth and Mary on this week’s episode of the Write Club Podcast, where we go behind the pages and into the fascinating world of writing. Our guest is the multi-talented Bibi Berki - a fiction and non-fiction writer, podcaster, and creator of the acclaimed audio series The Kiss.Bibi talks about her journey from news reporting to storytelling in novels and audio, and how her debut novel The Watch — shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Prize — gave her the confidence to explore different formats. She also discusses her latest release, The Youngster (Deixis Press, August 2025), a tense literary domestic thriller shaped by the Covid lockdowns and set in South East London.Tune in to hear Bibi on:* The influence of place and atmosphere on her writing* The emotional challenges of crafting a domestic thriller* Her approach to storytelling for audio versus print* Collaboration, creative experimentation, and her future projects* And her top book and audio recommendationsListen now and get inspired to tell your story! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Danny coaches teams and pitches multi-million-dollar deals to some of the world’s biggest brands, blending creativity, psychology, storytelling, and immersive experiences. He also hosts the Pitch Masters podcast and is the author of Pitch, a guide to mastering the art of selling ideas.Danny shares his journey to becoming The Pitch Guy, explores why so many people fear pitching, and reveals practical tips to help writers confidently pitch their work. From externalising your novel’s themes to flipping your mindset and enjoying the process, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to get their writing noticed. Plus, Danny shares his top piece of advice and a recent book recommendation for listeners.Danny’s book Pitch is out now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Struggling with how to edit your novel? In this episode of The Write Club Podcast, bestselling author, editor, and mentor Sara Grant shares expert editing tips every writer needs. Sara is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Editing Your Novel: A revolutionary approach to transform your writing and co-founder of Undiscovered Voices, which has launched the careers of over 100 authors.We talk about why editing can feel so daunting, the most common mistakes writers make, and the powerful ways editing can elevate your work. Sara also tells us about her work with Storymix, co-founding Undiscovered Voices, and what a typical writing day looks like for her.If you’re a novelist or aspiring writer looking for clear, professional editing advice, this episode will help you take your work to the next level. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Georgie’s writing life has taken her from shadowing drug dealers in Florida City to teaching English in a Himalayan nunnery, editing publications for the Tibetan Government in Exile, and even working behind the scenes at a funeral parlour. A graduate of UEA’s Prose-writing MA, her debut memoir We Swim to the Shark (2020) chronicled her journey to overcome deep fears by travelling the world, learning to scuba dive, and attempting to swim alongside a whale shark.Her latest book, Never Had a Dad, was sparked by a trip to Scotland and grew into a fascinating quest exploring fatherhood. The project has been featured across the BBC World Service, The Times, iNews, and more, and has even been optioned for TV by a major production company.In this episode, Georgie talks with us about her unconventional path into writing, the challenges of turning personal quests into gripping memoir, and why non-fiction and adventure continue to inspire her work. We also dive into the surprising discoveries behind Never Had a Dad, her thoughts on balancing truth and storytelling, and what’s next in her creative journey.This episode of the Write Club Podcast is sponsored by Arvon.Since 1968, Arvon has been helping writers at every stage of their journey, with inspiring courses and retreats led by leading authors. Whether you’ve got just an hour, a day, or a week to spare, Arvon offers the space, support, and community to unlock your creativity.And with grants and concessions available, their courses are open to anyone who wants to write.Find out more at arvon.org. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this month’s Bookclub episode, Mary and Beth talk all about The Stolen Child by Carmel Harrington – a gripping, emotional novel that weaves together three timelines across decades of love, loss, and mystery.From the shocking disappearance of two-year-old Robert on a Mediterranean cruise in 1983, to the lives of two orphan girls in 1970s London, and finally to 2023, where new revelations shake the Murphy family to their core – this story asks haunting questions about family, resilience, and the secrets we carry.We talk about our reading experience, the characters who captured our hearts (and the ones who broke them), the emotional punches, and the imagery that lingers long after the last page. As Carmel was our very first guest on Write Club (and our most popular episode to date!), we couldn’t resist revisiting her work. We even play an eerie excerpt from our conversation with her that sets the tone perfectly. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, Mary and Beth are joined by the award-winning and million-copy bestselling author Faith Hogan. Faith is a USA Today bestseller, Irish Times Top Ten author, and Amazon UK #1 bestselling writer of eleven uplifting and inspiring contemporary fiction novels.She talks about her brand-new summer read, The Women At Ocean’s End – a moving story of friendship, secrets, and resilience set against the stunning backdrop of Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast. Faith shares how her character Constance came to life, why Achill Island inspired the setting, and how she balances exploring darker themes with the feel-good storytelling her readers love.We also dive into Faith’s route to publication, her creative process, and her best advice for aspiring writers. A must-listen episode full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

This week on the Write Club Podcast, hosts Mary and Beth sit down with international bestselling author Laurie Gilmore, the queen of small-town romance and creator of the beloved Dream Harbor series. Laurie’s debut, The Pumpkin Spice Café, won TikTok Shop’s Book of the Year in 2024, and with Book 5: The Gingerbread Bakery publishing this September, her heartwarming world continues to capture readers everywhere.In this exclusive conversation, Laurie opens up about the inspiration behind her books, her love of blending sweetness and spice in storytelling, and the surprising role that food—and TikTok—have played in her success. She also shares her journey to publication, how she balances writing with the pressures of social media, and what’s next for Dream Harbor. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, Beth and Mary are joined by novelist Hazel Barkworth, author of Heatstroke and the newly released The Drownings.Hazel takes us inside her creative process and talks about the themes at the heart of her latest novel: women’s voices, competitive swimming, and the rivalries that play out both in sport and online. We explore her character Serena’s journey, the pressures of influence and performance, and how Hazel balances meticulous craft with letting a story evolve on the page.Along the way, Hazel shares the best writing advice she’s ever received, offers her tips for aspiring authors, and gives us a peek at what’s coming next in her writing journey. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode of The Write Club Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant debut novelist Daria Lavelle. Born in Kyiv, raised in New York, and now an acclaimed voice in speculative fiction, Daria brings magic, wit, and emotional depth to everything she writes.Daria’s debut novel, Aftertaste - a dark comedy about food, ghosts, and the New York culinary scene - landed in May 2025 and has already made waves for its unique blend of sharp humour, sensory storytelling, and moving reflections on grief and memory.She talks us through her 20-year journey to publication, the inspiration behind her unforgettable protagonist Konstantin, and how taste and food help her unlock creative ideas. We also discuss the challenge of balancing comedy with emotional depth, writing about loss, and her approach to the uncanny. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this month’s Write Club book club episode, Mary and Beth dive into The Mercy Step, the debut novel from Marcia Hutchinson. Featured in the September issue of Writing Magazine, this beautifully written work of autofiction draws on Hutchinson’s own experiences, following the life of Mercy, a young girl growing up in 1960s Bradford in a household marked by violence, neglect, and silence.Through vivid imagery, emotional depth, and moments of sharp humour, Hutchinson captures both the resilience and vulnerability of a child navigating a world where safety is never guaranteed. We discuss the book’s central themes of survival, identity, and hope, explore Hutchinson’s writing style, and reflect on the scenes that stayed with us long after reading. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode of The Write Club Podcast, hosts Mary and Beth sit down with bestselling author Emma Cowell - a former actress, BBC presenter, and charity fundraiser turned novelist.Emma shares the story behind her latest book Under the Lemon Tree, a moving tale rooted in love, grief, and the evocative beauty of Greece. We talk about the power of setting, her sensory writing rituals (yes, she really does choose a signature candle scent for each book!), and how writing has helped her navigate personal loss in a way that resonates with readers.Under the Lemon Tree is out now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this gripping episode of the Write Club Podcast, we’re joined by bestselling crime author and screenwriter MJ Arlidge.Matt has spent over two decades working in television, producing major crime dramas like Silent Witness and Innocent. But he’s also a household name in the world of fiction, with his DI Helen Grace thriller series selling over 1.5 million copies in the UK alone and translated into 20+ languages.We chat to him about his latest novel Into the Fire, what draws him to crime writing, how he balances character and plot, and the difference between writing for TV and books. He also shares advice for aspiring thriller writers and tells us what he’s working on next. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode of The Write Club Podcast, we’re joined by the brilliant and award-winning author Linda Newbery. With a career spanning decades, Linda has written widely for all ages - from picture books like Posy and Lob to middle-grade adventures such as Treasure House, and even adult fiction including Quarter Past Two on a Wednesday Afternoon, which was chosen for the Radio 2 Book Club.Linda speaks to us about her early days as a “secret writer,” hiding stories in her wardrobe, and how she eventually transitioned into full-time writing after working as an English teacher. She shares the inspiration behind her latest novel The One True Thing and explains what led her to co-found Writers Review Publishing - an independent, author-led collaborative born out of frustration with the traditional publishing world.We also discuss the importance of female friendship and solidarity in the writing world, a topic she explores in her recent article for Writing Magazine. Linda talks to us about her creative process, her love for strong writing communities, and the best piece of advice she’s ever received as an author. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, Beth and Mary are joined by British historical fiction author Debbie Wastling. Originally from Yorkshire and now based in Los Angeles, Debbie brings a rich background in theatre, music, and grant writing to her fiction - creating stories that are as heartfelt as they are historically rooted.Recorded while Debbie was back in England on her East Riding Libraries Author of the Month tour, the episode explores the importance of libraries, her experiences in writing high school plays and published novels, and what inspires her to explore specific historical settings and characters. She also told us how she balances a busy grant-writing career with her creative work, her writing process (planner or pantser?), and what’s coming next. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode Beth and Mary discuss The Drownings by Hazel Barkworth. The Drownings is an atmospheric new novel about competition, obsession and influence. We discuss the parallels between competitive swimmers and social media influencers, women’s power, anger and safety and Barkworth’s intriguing use of language. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of the Write Club Podcast, we sit down with bestselling children’s author Amy Sparkes. From picture books to middle grade fiction, Amy’s magical storytelling has captivated young readers across the UK and beyond - with her books even featured on CBeebies Storytime and shortlisted for major awards like the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.Amy chats with Beth and Mary about being a busy mum-of-six to becoming an award-nominated author, her passion for encouraging aspiring children’s writers, and how she co-founded the Writing Magazine Picture Book Prize. We also explore the origins of her enchanting StoryGodmother brand and her work producing the Writing for Children pages for Writing Magazine. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sarah Forbes Stewart, a literary powerhouse and the brilliant mind behind The Lighthouse Children’s Literary Consultancy. Sarah has shaped the literary world as a former Fiction Editor at Scholastic Children’s Books and Senior Editor at Floris Books, where she worked on global phenomena like The Hunger Games and Captain Underpants.In this episode, Sarah dives into her creative journey - from poetry and children’s fiction to her captivating debut adult novel, Aren’t We Lucky. Narrated by Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls) and available exclusively as an audiobook, the novel explores class, privilege, and the complexities of female friendship.Discover Sarah’s writing process, her thoughts on crafting compelling stories across genres, and her advice for aspiring writers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, we’re joined by the talented Stephanie Burgis, author of the bestselling Queens of Villainy trilogy. Stephanie shares her journey into the magical world of 'romantasy,' offering insights into crafting captivating characters, immersive fantasy settings, and unforgettable love stories.Discover the inspiration behind her work, her advice for aspiring romantasy writers, and an exclusive sneak peek into her exciting upcoming projects.Don’t miss this enchanting conversation with Stephanie and the team at Writers Online! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe